Festival SZN: JRDN’s Made in America Tips + Essentials

Though summer is winding down (is it just me or is it over way too soon?), Made in America is right around the corner.

This weekend, I will be kicking back with friends and busting down Philly chesesteaks while sipping on the always classy Strawberitas as my fro blows in the wind. Okay, maybe that was a bit much but I definitely will be having some well deserved fun all while dancing to Future.

Over the years, I’ve become a somewhat festival vet and learned a few things. For example, I’ve become a pro at procrastinating on packing until the night before. (Update: I’m still not packed!)

Checkout some of my Made in America necessities as well as some festival tips below!

Stay Charged Up: With Future, Beyonce, and more performing this weekend, you’ll definitely want to make sure your phone is charged. I mean how else will you be able to link up with friends and catch all the awesomeness on Snapchat? Though Made in America has charging stations throughout Ben Franklin Parkway, I’ll be carrying my Mophie (which doubles as a phone case) as well as two more portable chargers just to make sure I don’t miss anything!

Tip #1 NEVER BUY A PORTABLE CHARGER AT A FESTIVAL: Take this from someone who bought a charger that magically happened to break as soon as I got home. Don’t do it to yourself, beloved.

What’s on Your Feet Kid: Your footwear at Made in America is just as important as your outfit for one important reason: Comfort. Yes, cool shoes are…cool, but when you’re going to be standing up for 8+ hours straight, opt for comfort over fashion. Birkenstocks, Converses or a pair of shoes you aren’t afraid of getting dirty are always a great option.

Tip #2 Never forget your shades : Not only will you look cool while protecting your eyes from the beaming sun, sunglasses are a great way to hide a hangover. Shades are also an even better way to hide from someone you weren’t looking forward to running into! #Staywoke

Keep it Cute: There’s a time and a place for a perfectly beat face, but a hot outdoor music festival might not be one of them. To keep your makeup light, opt for a tinted moisturizer, mascara, and a fun lip.

NYX’s matte lipsticks have a great staying power so you won’t have to worry about reapplying. I’ll be taking Monte Carlo (matte red) for a bolder lip for my after party travels and Creme Brûlée (nude butter gloss) for my daytime look.

If you feel like you want a more dramatic look, go for it! Just make sure you have a great setting spray. My go-to setting spray this summer has been Evian mist. Not only does the spray refresh my makeup but it also helps to cool me down as well as tone my skin!

Tip #3 Keep Your Bobby Pins on Deck: Natural hair and humidity don’t mix well at all. So just incase my afro decides to give more of a Jackson 5 look this weekend, I’ll be keeping more than a few bobby pins handy for a quick fix!

Carry Cash : This is important. While many vendors and food trucks have adapted to using Square, there’s always something that you really want that’s cash only! Whether you’re traveling from out of state or just around the way, take out some cash at your bank before leaving to avoid ATM fees.

Be Organized: If you don’t want to miss a certain artist this weekend, definitely Download the Made in America App. You’ll have access to set times for all of the artists and a festival map at the palm of your hands!

One of the most important things to remember is to have fun! Made in America will be a great time to have some fun and meet new people in the heart of Philly!